TechWomen is accepting applications for the 2017 program. For the first time in the history of TechWomen, the application will be open to women from Pakistan. We're excited to welcome them to the community along with women leaders from Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.
In total, 100 TechWomen participants will arrive in the Bay Area in September 2017 for five weeks of professional mentorship and cultural exchange.
TechWomen pairs women professionals in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with their counterparts at leading companies for a month-long mentorship in their field of expertise. In addition, participants work together to create social impact initiatives and have the opportunity to explore the culture and diversity of the Bay Area.
Today, we're asking for your help in spreading the word about the application. Now, more than ever, we want to bring the brightest and most inspired women to the San Francisco Bay Area to amplify and catalyze their change-making capacities.
ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION
The deadline to apply is 09:00AM PST (GMT-08:00), Janurary 17, 2017.
Selection Process
TechWomen participants are selected based on the eligibility requirements below. Applications are reviewed by independent selection committees composed of industry leaders and regional experts. Semifinalists may be interviewed by United States Embassy personnel in their country of permanent residence.
2017 TechWomen Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must
- Be women with, at minimum, two years full-time professional experience in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. Please note that internships and other unpaid work experience does not count toward the two-year professional experience requirement.
- Have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree/four-year university degree or equivalent.
- Be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Be citizens and permanent residents of Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan or Zimbabwe at the time of application and while participating in the program.
- Be eligible to obtain a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa.
- Not have applied for an immigrant visa to the United States or participated in a visa lottery in the past five years.
- Not hold U.S. citizenship or be a U.S. legal permanent resident.
Preference will be given to applicants who
- Demonstrate themselves as emerging leaders in their chosen professional track through their work experience, volunteer experience, community activities and education.
- Are committed to return to their home countries to share what they have learned and mentor women and girls.
- Have limited or no prior experience in the United States.
- Have a proven record of voluntary or public service in their communities.
- Have a demonstrated track record of entrepreneurialism and commitment to innovation.
- Demonstrate a willingness to participate in exchange programs, welcome opportunities for mentoring and new partnership development, and exhibit confidence and maturity.
TechWomen encourages people with diverse backgrounds and skills to apply, including individuals with disabilities.
Women committed to addressing concerns of global climate change and environmental issues are particularly encouraged to apply.
Selection Timeline
The 2017 TechWomen application will be open November 15, 2016, through January 17, 2017. Semifinalists will be contacted via email in/around March 2017. Final decisions will be made no later than early May 2017. All applicants will be notified of the results of their application.